Systems and methods for pharmaceutical package delivery

ABSTRACT

A pharmaceutical package for carrying a pharmaceutical container includes a first housing and a second housing in the first housing. The second housing defines a compartment sized and shaped to receive and carry the pharmaceutical container. A gas chamber is disposed between the first and second housings. The gas chamber is configured to hold a gas in an inflated state of the gas chamber. A passage extends from the first housing to the second housing and defines a passageway extending there-between to allow the pharmaceutical container to be positioned in the compartment of the second housing by moving the pharmaceutical container through the passageway. One or more supports are connected to and extending between the first housing and the second housing. The one or more supports secure and hold the second housing in the first housing.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to package delivery systems,and more particularly to package delivery systems for deliveringpharmaceutical containers.

BACKGROUND

Packages are used to deliver items to businesses and residencesthroughout the world. One such item frequently delivered in packages toconsumers are pharmaceutical containers containing pharmaceuticals.Conventionally, these packages are delivered to businesses andresidences using land based vehicles, such as trucks, but thedevelopment of aerial based delivery vehicles, such as drones, unmannedaerial vehicles (UAVs), etc., has opened up other delivery methods.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a pharmaceutical package for carrying a pharmaceuticalcontainer comprises a first housing defining an interior and a firsthousing opening sized and shaped to allow the pharmaceutical containerto pass into the interior. A second housing is in the first housing. Thesecond housing defines a compartment and a second housing opening. Thecompartment is sized and shaped to receive and carry the pharmaceuticalcontainer. The second housing opening is in communication with thecompartment and sized and shaped to allow the pharmaceutical containerto pass into the compartment. A gas chamber is disposed between thefirst and second housings. The gas chamber is configured to hold gas inan inflated state of the gas chamber. A passage extends from the firsthousing to the second housing and defines a passageway extending betweenthe first housing opening and the second housing opening to allow thepharmaceutical container to be positioned in the compartment of thesecond housing by moving the pharmaceutical container through the firsthousing opening, the passageway and the second housing opening. One ormore supports are connected to and extend between the first housing andthe second housing. The one or more supports secure and hold the secondhousing in the first housing.

In another aspect, a catcher for catching a package delivered by anunmanned aerial vehicle comprises a chute extending from an upper end toa lower end and defining a passageway between the upper and lower ends.The passageway is configured to receive the package when the package isdropped by the unmanned aerial vehicle into the chute. An enclosuremount is coupled to the chute and is configured to mount to an enclosureto couple the catcher to the enclosure. A door is configured to movebetween an open position and a closed position to open and close thepassageway. A door actuator is operatively coupled to the door tocontrol the door to permit the package to pass the door. A controller iscommunicatively coupled to the door actuator and includes acommunications port, a processor and a non-transitory tangible storagemedium including processor executable instructions for controlling theoperation of the processor. The instructions include instructions forselectively actuating the door actuator to permit the package to passthe door responsive to the controller receiving a signal from theunmanned aerial vehicle via the communications port.

In another aspect, a catcher for catching a package delivered by anunmanned aerial vehicle comprises a base including at least two legs. Acollector is connected to an upper end of the base and is configured tocatch the package when the package is dropped by the unmanned aerialvehicle into the collector. A communications interface is configured tocommunicate with the unmanned aerial vehicle. The communicationsinterface includes a communications port configured to send and receivesignals from the unmanned aerial vehicle, a processor and anon-transitory tangible storage medium including processor executableinstructions for controlling the operation of the processor. Theinstructions include instructions for sending an identity of the catchervia the communications port to the unmanned aerial vehicle.

In another aspect, a catcher for catching a package delivered by anunmanned aerial vehicle comprising a housing configured to mount to anenclosure to couple the catcher to the enclosure. A collector is movablycoupled to the housing. The collector is movable between a collectionposition where the collector is configured to receive the package whenthe package is dropped by the unmanned aerial vehicle and a retractedposition. A prime mover is operatively coupled to the collector to movethe collector between the collection position and the retractedposition. A controller is communicatively coupled to the prime mover andincludes a communications port, a processor and a non-transitorytangible storage medium including processor executable instructions forcontrolling the operation of the processor. The instructions includeinstructions for selectively activating the prime mover to move thecollector toward the collection position when the controller receives asignal from the unmanned aerial vehicle via the communications port.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in partapparent and in part pointed out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a pharmaceutical package according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the pharmaceutical package taken throughline 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a pharmaceutical package according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the pharmaceutical package generally takenthrough line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a pharmaceutical package delivery systemaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is an illustration of one embodiment of a door of a catcher ofthe pharmaceutical package delivery system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a catcher of thepharmaceutical package delivery system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an exemplary controller for a catcher of apharmaceutical package delivery system;

FIG. 8 is an cross-section of another embodiment of a catcher of apharmaceutical package delivery system;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a pharmaceutical package delivery systemaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary control system for a carrier of apharmaceutical package delivery system.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a pharmaceutical packageembodying aspects of the present disclosure, indicated generally byreference numeral 100. As will become apparent, the pharmaceuticalpackage 100 is an inflatable package. The pharmaceutical package 100 maybe used to deliver a pharmaceutical container C containingpharmaceuticals to a consumer. The pharmaceutical package 100 may beused in an pharmaceutical package delivery system, such as thepharmaceutical package delivery system generally indicated by referencenumeral 10 in FIG. 5. Generally, a pharmaceutical package deliverysystem 10 includes the pharmaceutical package 100, a carrier, generallyindicated at 12, and a catcher, generally indicated at 200. As willbecome apparent, this disclosure describes a variety of pharmaceuticalpackages, carriers and catchers and it is understood a pharmaceuticalpackage delivery system may comprise any combination and number of saidpharmaceutical packages, carriers and catchers described herein. It isunderstood the systems and methods described herein are not limited tothe delivery of pharmaceutical containers and that the systems andmethods described herein can be used to deliver any type of item ordevice.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, the carrier 12 is a flying vehicle, suchas a UAV, a drone, a plane, a helicopter, etc. In the illustratedembodiments, the carrier 12 is a UAV. Specifically, the UAV 12 is afixed wing (e.g., airplane type) UAV, although other types of UAVs(e.g., single rotor (i.e., helicopter type), multi-rotor (i.e.,helicopter type), fixed-wing hybrid) are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. The UAV 12 is generally autonomous and can deliverpharmaceutical packages 100 with little to no user control or input.Accordingly, the UAV 12 is a smart UAV that can avoid obstacles, fly tocoordinates and delivery the pharmaceutical package 100 on its own.

Referring to FIG. 10, the UAV 12 has a control system 14 configured tocontrol and operate the UAV. The control system 14 includes a controller16 having a CPU or processor 18 and RAM or memory 20 (broadly,non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). The controller 16provides the computing engine that drives the operation of the UAV 12.Broadly, the memory 20 includes (e.g., stores) processor-executableinstructions for controlling the operation of the processor 18. Theinstructions embody one or more functional aspects of the UAV 12, withthe processor 18 executing the instructions to perform said one or morefunctional aspects.

The controller 16 includes a plurality of (broadly, at least one)communication gateways or ports 22A-F for communication with othercomponents of the UAV 12 and other devices, such as a catcher 200described in more detail below. The ports 22A-F are communicativelycoupled to the processor 18 and/or memory 20. Each port 22A-F may beused to communicatively couple the controller 16 to another device ofthe UAV. For example, the illustrated UAV 12 includes a positioning unit24, a scanner 25 (e.g., an imagining device, camera, etc.), an IDinterrogator 26, a package holder 28 and at least one engine 30, eachconnected to the controller 16 via a port 22A-F. Various types ofcommunication ports 22A-F are contemplated. The ports 22A-F may includewired and/or wireless ports. For example, the communication ports 22A-Fcan include an infrared (IR) port, a hardwire port, a Bluetooth port, acellular port (e.g., cellular communications broadband network) and/or aWi-Fi port, and it is understood that various other types ofcommunication ports (e.g., near field communication) can be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

The positioning unit 24 is configured to provide positional information(e.g., coordinates) of the UAV 12 to the controller 16. For example, thepositioning unit 24 may be a GPS unit that provides the GPS coordinatesfor the UAV 12. The scanner 25 is configured to read a machine-readablemarking to obtain information from said marking, as described in moredetail below. The ID interrogator 26 is configured to obtain informationfrom the pharmaceutical package 100. Such information can include, butis not limited to, an identity (e.g., serial number) of thepharmaceutical package 100, prescription information, patientinformation, delivery destination information, delivery receptacleinformation, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the IDinterrogator 26 is a radio frequency identification (RFID) scannerconfigured to communicate with an RFID tag of the pharmaceutical package100, as described below. The package holder 28 is configured toreleasably secure the pharmaceutical package 100 to the UAV 12. Thepackage holder 28 is configured to release the pharmaceutical package100 when the UAV 12 reaches the delivery destination (e.g., deliverycoordinates, gps coordinates, satellite navigation coordinates), todeliver the package. In the illustrated embodiment, the package holder28 is a hook that can be selectively opened to release thepharmaceutical package 100. Other types of package holders 28 are withinthe scope of the present disclosure. For example, the package holder canbe a compartment or bay that can be selectively opened (such as by aswinging door) to release the pharmaceutical package 100, gripperfingers, or a claw. The UAV 12 can carry one or more packages 100 (seeFIGS. 5 and 9) at a time. Accordingly, the UAV 12 can make multipledeliveries during a single flight. In this embodiment, the UAV 12 mayinclude multiple package holders 28 (e.g., hooks, claws, etc.), one foreach package 100 carried by the UAV (FIG. 5). In other embodiments, theUAV 12 may include a single package holder 28 (e.g., compartment, bay,etc.) that is configured to release the multiple packages 100individually or together. The UAV 12 also has one or more engines 30(e.g., electric motors operatively coupled to propellers) to drive themovement of the UAV. The UAV 12 also includes a power source 32, such asa battery, to power the UAV and associated components.

The multiple package holders 28 can be individually controlled torelease a single designated package at a delivery location whileretaining the other packages on their respective package holders 28. Inan example embodiment, the package holders include an elongate, flexiblecable extending from the bottom of the UAV 12 with a selectivelyopenable loop of gripping mechanism at the free end of the cable. In theexample embodiment of multiple packages being delivered by the UAV 12,the cables can have varying lengths with the first package to bedelivered being on the longest cable and the last package beingdelivered being on the shortest cable. Thus, the packages beingdelivered would not bang against each other during flight or interferewith each other during delivery, e.g., a drop. The lowest package wouldbe delivered before the next lowest package is delivered. The UAV 12 cancontrol the opening of the gripping mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the pharmaceutical package100 is generally shown. The pharmaceutical package 100 is configured tocarry a pharmaceutical container C. Although the pharmaceutical package100 is described herein as being delivered by a UAV 12, it is understoodthe pharmaceutical package is suitable for use with generally any typeof carrier, such as land based carriers (e.g., trucks). Thepharmaceutical package 100 includes an outer or first housing 102 thatdefines an interior 104. The first housing 102 defines a first housingopening 112 sized and shaped to allow the pharmaceutical container C topass into the interior 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the firsthousing 102 has a generally polyhedron shape and is formed of walls orpanels 102A-F joined together. The first housing 102 can have othershapes. For example, the first housing 102 can have an aerodynamicshape, such as a spherical shape, an egg shape, a cloud shape, adodecahedron shape, an ovoid shape, or an airfoil shape. An aerodynamicshape may be particularly desirable if the pharmaceutical package 100 isgoing to be carried outside of the UAV 12, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9.For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a pharmaceutical package, generallydesignated at 100′, having a spherical shape and FIG. 9 illustrates apharmaceutical package, generally designated at 100″, having an ovoidshape. Besides the shapes of the first housings 102, pharmaceuticalpackages 100′ and 100″ are generally the same as pharmaceutical package100. The pharmaceutical package 100 may also include a shipping labelsleeve or pocket 106 configured to receive a shipping label. Theshipping label pocket 106 may include a transparent cover to allow thedetails of the shipping label to be viewed when the shipping label is inthe shipping label pocket. In the illustrated embodiment, the firsthousing 102 is shown as being generally transparent to show interiordetails of the pharmaceutical package. The first housing 102 may be madeof a generally transparent, translucent, and/or opaque material.

The pharmaceutical package 100 includes an inner or second housing 108in the interior 104 of the first housing 102. The second housing 108defines a compartment 110 that is sized and shaped to receive and carrythe pharmaceutical container C. The second housing 108 can have anysuitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing 108has a generally cylindrical shape, although the second housing can havea polyhedron shape, a spherical shape, an ovoid shape, etc. The secondhousing 108 defines a second housing opening 114 in communication withthe compartment 110. The second housing opening 114 is sized and shapedto allow the pharmaceutical container C to pass into the compartment110.

The pharmaceutical package 100 includes a plurality (broadly, one ormore) of supports 120 secured to and extending between the first housing102 and the second housing 108. The supports 120 secure and hold thesecond housing 108 in the interior 104 of the first housing 102. In theillustrated embodiment, the supports 120 are panels or sheets thatextend from corners between adjacent walls 102B-E to the second housing108. Other configurations and arrangements of the supports 120 arewithin the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the supports120 can extend from other locations on the first housing 102, such asthe corners of the polyhedron or surfaces of the walls 102A-F. Thesupports 120 can be ribs, webs, and/or strands that extend between thefirst and second housings 102, 108. Moreover, one or both of the firstand second housings 102, 108 can include reinforcement (not shown), suchas an additional layer of material, where the supports 120 connect tothe respective first and second housings to strengthen the connection.The first housing 102, the second housing 108 and the supports 120 canbe formed from a lightweight plastic (e.g., a thin film) such asflexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other suitable material. Thesupports 120 may be generally rigid or flexible. In general, thecomponents of the pharmaceutical package 100 are desirably made oflightweight components to reduce the overall weight of the package, asthe amount of weight that can be carried by the UAV 12 is limited.

The pharmaceutical package 100 includes a gas or inflatable chamber 122between the first and second housings 102, 108. The gas chamber 122 isconfigured to hold a fluid, such as air (e.g., gas, water (i.e., aliquid), refrigerant), to inflate the gas chamber (e.g., an inflatedstate). Desirably, the gas chamber 122 is bounded by at least one of thefirst or second housings 102, 108. In the illustrated embodiment, thegas chamber 122 is bounded by the first housing 102 and the secondhousing 108. As a result, in the illustrated embodiment, the gas chamber122 is coextensive with a portion of the interior 104 of the firsthousing 102. Other configurations and arrangements are within the scopeof the present disclosure. For example, the gas chamber 122 can bedefined by a separate component, such as a bag or inflatable insert (notshown), disposed between the first and second housings 102, 108. Thepharmaceutical package 100 may include a selectively operable valve 124configured to permit the gas chamber to be selectively filled andemptied with the fluid (e.g., inflated or deflated). In the illustratedembodiment, the valve 124 is positioned on and connected to the firsthousing 102. The valve 124 may allow the gas chamber 122 to be manuallyor automatically inflated and deflated.

The pharmaceutical package 100 also includes a passage 116 configured topermit the pharmaceutical container C to be inserted into and retrievedfrom the compartment 110. The passage 116 extends from the first housing102 to the second housing 108. The passage 116 defines a passageway 118extending between the first housing opening 112 and the second housingopening 114. The passageway 118 allows the pharmaceutical container C tobe positioned in the compartment 110 of the second housing 108 by movingthe pharmaceutical container through the first housing opening 112, thepassageway and the second housing opening 114. As shown in FIG. 1, thepassage 116 is connected to the first housing 102 and generallysurrounds (e.g., circumferentially surrounds) the first housing opening112. Similarly, the passage 116 is connected to the second housing 108and generally surrounds (e.g., circumferentially surrounds) the secondhousing opening 114. Desirably, the passage 116 is formed of a fluidimpervious material. For example, the passage 116 can be formed from alightweight plastic (e.g., a thin film) such as flexible PVC, or anyother suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the passage 116is shown as being generally transparent to show interior details of thepharmaceutical package.

The pharmaceutical container C can be secured in the compartment 110 indifferent ways. The pharmaceutical package 100 can include a door 126 tosecure the pharmaceutical container C in the compartment 110. In theillustrated embodiment, the door 126 is connected to the first housing102 and closes or covers the first housing opening 112 (FIG. 1).Alternatively, the door 126 can close or cover the second housingopening 114. The door 126 can be releasable secured in a closed positionby a closure (not shown), such as an adhesive, a zipper, magnets,interlocking components, etc. or any other suitable device. In anotherembodiment, the door 126 may be permanently secured in a closed positionafter the pharmaceutical container C is placed in the compartment 110such that the only way to open the door is to tear (e.g., damage,deform, break, etc.) the door or other portion of the pharmaceuticalpackage 100. In such an embodiment, the door 126 may be heat sealed tothe first housing 102 in the closed position. Whether the door 126 ispermanently or releasably secured in the closed position may depend onif the pharmaceutical package 100 is configured for one-time use ormultiple uses (e.g., re-usable), respectively, as described below.

Alternatively, or in addition, the passage 116 of the pharmaceuticalpackage 110 can be used to secure the pharmaceutical container C in thecompartment 110. The passage 116 can be configured to constrict tosubstantially close the passageway 118 to prevent the pharmaceuticalcontainer from moving through the passageway and out of thepharmaceutical package when the gas chamber 122 is filled with thefluid. In such an embodiment, the passage 116 may define or border aportion of the gas chamber 122. When the gas chamber 122 is filled withfluid, the passage 116 bulges inwardly and substantially closes thepassageway 118, as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, a crosswise dimensionD_(P) (e.g., diameter, width, etc.) of the passageway 118 is reduced tobe less than the size of the pharmaceutical container C. In oneembodiment, the crosswise dimension D_(P) may be reduced to zero. Thepharmaceutical container may be passed through the passageway 118 beforeor after inflating the chamber 112. After the chamber is inflated, thepassage 116 may be sufficiently compliant to permit the container C tobe shoved through the passage notwithstanding the dimension D_(P) beingless than the width of the container. It is understood that when thefluid is not reducing the passage 116, the crosswise dimension D_(P) islarge enough to permit the pharmaceutical container C to passthere-through.

In this embodiment, the passage 116 may comprise an excess amount ofmaterial to allow the passage to be constricted by the gas chamber 122.This allows the passage 116 to bulge inwardly to reduce the dimensionD_(P) of the passageway 118 relative to the dimensions (e.g., diameters,widths, etc.) of the first and second housing openings 112, 114 when thegas chamber is in the inflated state. For example, a passage wall of thepassage 116 can have a length extending between the first and secondhousing openings 112, 114 that is greater than a passageway length. Thelength of the passageway 118 correspond to a distance from the firsthousing opening to the second housing opening. In another embodiment,the a passage wall of the passage 116 can have a crosswise dimensionD_(P) that is greater than the width or diameter of the first and/orsecond housing openings 112, 114. As mentioned above, the passage 116 ismade out of a flexible material, such as flexible PVC plastic. As aresult, the excess flexible material of the passage 116 is pushed inwardby the gas chamber 122 when the gas chamber is inflated. When the gaschamber 122 is inflated, the passage 116 may have a generally hourglassshape (wider at its ends and narrower in the middle). Otherconfigurations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The pharmaceutical package 100 may include at least one refrigerationcompartment 128 configured to hold a refrigerant. The refrigerant may berequired if the pharmaceutical container C carried by the pharmaceuticalpackage requires refrigeration. In the illustrated embodiment, fourrefrigeration compartments 128 are provided, and each refrigerationcompartment comprises a refrigeration pocket on the second housing 108configured to receive and hold a removable refrigeration packet P (FIGS.1 and 2). Each refrigeration pocket 128 has an open end in communicationwith the passageway 118 to allow a refrigeration packet P to be insertedinto the pocket. In the illustrated embodiment, refrigeration packets Pare shown in two of the pockets 128. Other numbers and configurations ofrefrigeration compartments can be used without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the pharmaceutical package 100 may alsoinclude an identification tag 130 that is read by the UAV 12,specifically, the ID interrogator 26. In an alternative embodiment, theidentification tag 130 may be part of the pharmaceutical container C.The identification tag 130 includes at least an identity (e.g., serialnumber, code, name, sequence) of the pharmaceutical package 100—i.e., aunique identity of the pharmaceutical package (and/or pharmaceuticalcontainer C). The identification tag 130 may also include prescriptioninformation (e.g., the type of pharmaceutical, amount of thepharmaceutical, etc.), patient information (e.g., name of the patient,age, etc.), delivery destination information (e.g., the deliverylocation, delivery coordinates, address, etc.), delivery receptacleinformation (e.g., an identity of the catcher 200) or any combinationthereof. In one embodiment, the identification tag 130 includes an RFIDtag. The identification tag 130 is configured to provide information tothe UAV 12 when read by the UAV. The identification tag 130 may providethe UAV 12 with one or more of the identity, the prescriptioninformation, the patient information, the delivery destinationinformation, the delivery receptacle information, or any combinationthereof. The information contained by the identification tag 130 may beencrypted to protect the information from unauthorized discovery. TheUAV 12 may use the information collected from the identification tag 130when delivering the pharmaceutical package 100. For example, the UAV 12may obtain the delivery coordinates from the identification tag 130. Theidentification tag 130 can be located at any suitable position on thepharmaceutical package 100.

The pharmaceutical package 100 may also include a carrier connector 132(FIGS. 5 and 9) configured to be coupled to the carrier 12 in order tocouple the pharmaceutical package to the carrier. The carrier connector132 is configured to be coupled to the package holder 28 of the carrier12. In the illustrated embodiments, the carrier connector 132 comprisesa loop configured to be coupled to the hook 28 of the UAV 12, althoughother configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Itis understood that the type of carrier connector 132 on thepharmaceutical package 100 will depend on the type of package holder 28of the UAV 12, and in some embodiments, the carrier connector 132 maynot be needed to couple the pharmaceutical package 100 to the packageholder 28, such as when the package holder is a compartment in the UAV.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical package 100may include a protective cover 134 over the first housing 102. Theprotective cover 134 is may be made of a thicker material than that ofthe first housing 102, such as a heavy duty flexible PVC or othersuitable material. In one embodiment, the protective cover 134 is heatsealed around the first housing 102 after the pharmaceutical container Cis placed in the compartment 110. In one embodiment, the protectivecover 134 may be formed from a thermal-reflective and/or insulatingmaterial to help insulate the compartment 110 when the pharmaceuticalpackage 100 includes a refrigerant or refrigeration pack P.Alternatively, or in addition, the first housing 102 and/or secondhousing 108 can be formed from thermal-reflective material as well.

In use, the pharmaceutical container C can be placed into thecompartment 110 by passing the container through the first housingopening 112, the passageway 118 and the second housing opening 114. Thegas chamber 122 can be inflated before or after installing the containerC in the compartment 110. In one embodiment, the second housing 108 maycollapse around and conform to the shape of pharmaceutical container Cwhen the gas chamber 122 is filled. This is similar to how the passage116 may collapse when the gas chamber 122 is inflated. If anyrefrigeration packs P are needed, they may be placed into therefrigeration pockets 128 at generally the same time as thepharmaceutical container C, desirably before inflating the chamber 122.After the gas chamber 122 is inflated, the door 126 is closed (ifincluded). A shipping label (not shown) is inserted into the shippinglabel pocket 106 and the pharmaceutical package 100 is ready to beloaded onto the carrier 12. The programming of (e.g., loading ofinformation onto) the identification tag 130 can happen at any time,desirably before the pharmaceutical package 100 is loaded onto thecarrier 12.

The gas chamber 122 of the pharmaceutical package 100 provides severalbenefits. First, the gas chamber 122 provides thermal insulation for thecompartment 110. In addition, the gas chamber 122 acts as a shockabsorber to dampen impact of the pharmaceutical container C when thepharmaceutical package 100 is dropped by the UAV 12 and impacts asurface, such as a surface of the catcher 200. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical package 100 may include a weight (not shown), such as apiece of metal or similar heavy material, disposed on the first housing102 or other suitable location to promote the pharmaceutical packagefalling in a certain orientation. The weight alters the center ofgravity of the pharmaceutical package 100, with the side of thepharmaceutical package closest to the center of gravity generally beingoriented downward (due to the location of the center of gravity) whenthe package is dropped and failing. Desirably, the weight is positionedto shift the center of gravity between the weight and the compartment110 (e.g., pharmaceutical container C). Moreover, the second housing 102and corresponding compartment 110 can be offset in the interior 104,away from the side of the pharmaceutical package 100 that will orientdownward when the package falls, to provide a greater degree of shockabsorbance for the pharmaceutical container C.

The pharmaceutical package 100 can be configured for a single-time useor for multiple uses. For example, in a single use configuration, thepharmaceutical package 100 may not include the valve 124. Instead, gasmay be introduced into the gas chamber 122 as the pharmaceutical package100 is constructed. In addition, after installing the container C, thedoor 126 can be permanently secured in the closed position for a singleuse configuration. In the single use configuration, a person may have tocut or tear the door 126 and/or the first housing 102 to retrieve thepharmaceutical container C from the compartment 110 (and may need todeflate the gas chamber 122). In the multi-use configuration, thepharmaceutical package 100 desirably includes the valve 124 and the dooris re-closable. This will allow a person to open the door and deflatethe gas chamber 122 without having to damage the pharmaceutical package100. The pharmaceutical package 100 may also be foldable into itself tobe mailed back to the shipper of the pharmaceutical container C to bere-used. Alternatively, a return sleeve (not shown) can be provided toreturn the pharmaceutical package 100 to the shipper to be reused (e.g.,a return sleeve can be included in the compartment 110 with thepharmaceutical container C).

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of the pharmaceuticalpackage is generally indicated at 150. Pharmaceutical package 150 issimilar to pharmaceutical package 100 and for ease of comprehension,where pharmaceutical package 150 includes similar or analogous elementsto that of pharmaceutical package 100, identical reference numbers areused. Accordingly, it is understood that the description above relatedto pharmaceutical package 100 also applies to pharmaceutical package150. One difference between pharmaceutical package 150 and 100 is thatpharmaceutical package 150 includes two pieces 150A, 150B that aresecured together. In the illustrated embodiment, each piece 150A, 150Bis a portion (e.g., half) of a sphere, such that the pharmaceuticalpackage 150 forms a sphere when the two pieces are joined together.Because the pharmaceutical package 150 is formed of separate pieces150A, 150B, each piece generally includes a portion of the first housing102, a portion of the second housing 108, a portion of the gas chamber122 and some supports 120, as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, each piece150A, 150B includes its own gas chamber portion 122A, 122B defined by aportion of the first housing 102, second housing 104 and the supports120A, 120B which extend between the peripheral edges of the portions ofthe first housing 102 and the portions of the second housing 108. As isapparent, the pharmaceutical package 150 does not include a passage (andcorresponding first and second housing openings) because the chamber 110is openable and can receive the pharmaceutical container C when thepieces 150A, 150B are not joined together. In other embodiments, thepieces 150A, 150B may be hinged or otherwise partially coupled together.

The pharmaceutical package 150 also includes a rigid outer shell 152surrounding the first housing 102. Each piece 150A, 150B includesrespective first and second shell portions 152A, 152B of the outer shell152. The first and second shell portions 152A, 152B are configured to besecured together to connect the pieces 150A, 150B. In the illustratedembodiment, the first shell portion 152A includes a circumferentialnotch or channel 154 configured to receive a circumferential lip orprojection 156 to facilitate the connection of the pieces 150A, 150B. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first and second shell portions 152A,152B define fastener openings 158 that receive fasteners (not shown) toconnect the pieces 150A, 150B together. Other ways of connecting thepieces 150A, 150B together are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, the pieces 150A, 150B can be taped or otherwiseadhered together. A valve 124 is mounted on each portion 152A, 152B ofthe outer shell 152 to inflate and deflate the gas chamber portions122A, 122B, respectively. In addition, in this embodiment, the shippinglabel pocket 106 is preferably mounted on the exterior of the shell 152.The shell 152 may be formed out of any suitable material such as a rigidor flexible plastic.

In use, the pharmaceutical container C is placed into a portion of thecompartment 110 when the pieces 150A, 150B are separate. The gas chamberportions 122A, 122B may be partially or fully inflated at this point. Ifany refrigeration packs P are needed, they are placed into therefrigeration pockets 128 at generally the same time as thepharmaceutical container C. The pieces 150A, 150B are then joinedtogether and then the gas chamber portions 122A, 122B may be furtherinflated via the valves 124, as shown in FIG. 4. This traps thepharmaceutical container in the compartment 110. In one embodiment, thesecond housing 108 may collapse around and conform to the shape ofpharmaceutical container C when the gas chamber 122 is filled. Ashipping label (not shown) is inserted into the shipping label pocket106 and the pharmaceutical package 100 is ready to be loaded onto thecarrier 12. The programming of (e.g., loading of information onto) theidentification tag 130 can happen any time, desirably before thepharmaceutical package 100 is loaded onto the carrier 12. To open thepharmaceutical package 150 and retrieve the pharmaceutical container C,the pieces 150A, 150B are separated such as by releasing the fastenersor cutting the tape. The valves 124 can also be used to deflate the gaschamber portions 122A, 122B.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, one embodiment of the catcher is generallyindicated at 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the catcher 200 is configured tocatch the pharmaceutical package 100′ (broadly, a package) delivered bythe UAV 12. Although the catchers, such as catcher 200, described hereinare described as being used to catch pharmaceutical packages, such aspackages 100, 100′, 100″, it is understood that the catchers can be usedto catch other types of packages. In this embodiment, the catcher 200 ismounted to an enclosure, such as a building B (e.g., a home, anapartment, etc.). The catcher 200 includes an enclosure mount 202configured to mount to the enclosure B to couple the catcher to theenclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure mount 202 isconfigured to mount to and within a window W of the building B. Thecatcher 200 also includes a chute 204 coupled to the enclosure mount202. When the enclosure mount 202 is mounted in the window W of thebuilding, the chute 204 extends through the window to deliver thepackage 100, 100′, 100″ to the interior of the enclosure, as will becomeapparent. The enclosure mount 202 can be adjustable (e.g., have anadjustable height and/or width) in order to conform to a variety ofdifferent window W sizes.

The chute 204 extends from an upper end 206 to a lower end 208. Thechute 204 defines a passageway 210 extending between the upper and lowerends 206, 208. The passageway 210 is configured to receive thepharmaceutical package 100, 100′, 100″ when the package is dropped bythe UAV 12 into the chute 204. The chute 204 includes a circumferentialwall 212 defining the passageway 210. The wall 212 may be a fabriccovering supporting by a frame, although other configurations are withinthe scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower end208 of the chute 204 is positioned in the enclosure B so that thepackage 100, 100′, 100″ is delivered into the enclosure when dropped bythe UAV 12. The upper end 206 of the chute 206 is positioned to receivethe package 100, 100′, 100″ when installed on the enclosure B.Desirably, the upper end 206 of the chute 204 is spaced apart from andposition above the enclosure B when mounted on the enclosure. In oneembodiment, the chute 204 may have an adjustable height to adjust theposition of the upper end 206 of the chute. Desirably, the chute 204 hasat least one bend defining at least one bend in the passageway 210. Thisfacilitates the spacing of the upper end 206 of the chute 204 from theenclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the chute 204 has two bends,corresponding to two bends in the passageway. In the illustratedembodiment, the chute 204 has a generally vertical first portion 204A,an inclined second portion 204B and a generally horizontal portion 204C,with the two bends separating the portions. Other configurations arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

Desirably, the chute 204 includes at least one opening 214 to permitmoisture, such as rain water that enters the passageway 210, to flow outof the passageway before entering the enclosure B. In the illustratedembodiment, each opening 214 is covered with a mesh 216 to to preventanimals (e.g., bugs, insects, etc.) from entering the passageway 210 viathe opening, while still allowing the moisture to pass there-though.Each opening 214 is positioned between the upper and lower ends 206, 208of the chute 204. Desirably, each opening 214 is positioned on a lowerside of the inclined second portion 204B, which will naturally direct,via gravity, moisture toward the openings. The chute 204 may alsoinclude at least one guard 218 configured to cover an opening 214 toshield the opening from wind, dust and moisture. Each guard 214 has anopen lower end 220 to permit the moisture that flows out of thepassageway 210 through the opening 214 to fall to the surroundingenvironment. The guards 214 are connected to the exterior surface of thewall 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the chute 204 includes threeopenings 214 and corresponding guards 218, although more or feweropenings and guards are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The catcher 200 includes a door 222 (e.g., a first door) configured tomove between an open position (FIG. 5) and a closed position (not shown)to open and close the passageway 210. Specifically, the door 222 opensand closes an upper end of the passageway 210. The door 200 is movablycoupled to the chute 204 at the upper end 206 thereof. As will beexplained in more detail below, the door 222 moves to the open positionto allow the chute 205 to receive the package 100, 100′, 100″.Otherwise, the door 222 is in the closed position. The catcher 200 alsoincludes a prime mover 224 operatively coupled to the door 222 to movethe door between the open and closed positions. The prime mover 224 maybe a motor (e.g., an electric motor), a servo, a linear actuator, or anyother suitable device. As explained in more detail below, the primemover 224 is selectively activated by a controller 226 to move the door122 towards the open and closed positions. The chute 204 and/or door 222may also include a weather strip or gasket to form a seal between thedoor and chute 204 when the door is in the closed position. A lockingmechanism 225 may be included, as described below, to lock the door 222in the closed position.

Referring to FIG. 5A, in another embodiment, the door may comprise aspring loaded trap door, generally indicated by reference numeral 222′.The door 222′ includes first and second door portions 222A, 222B. Ahinge 223 pivotably connects each door portion 222A, 222B to the chute204. Each hinge 223 may be spring-loaded to bias each door portion 222A,222B (e.g., the door 222′) toward the closed position (FIG. 5A). Thedoor 222′ includes a locking mechanism 225, such as a magnetic lock orstrip, to lock the door in the closed position and inhibit the door fromunintentionally opening. The controller 126 is communicatively coupledto the locking mechanism 225 to control the locking mechanism toselectively lock and unlock the door 222′. To receive a package 100,100′, 100″, the controller 126 unlocks the locking mechanism 225, whichallows the door portions 222A, 222B to swing freely to an open position(dashed lines in FIG. 5A) when the door portions are pushed open by theweight of the package. Once the package 100′ passes the door 222′, thedoor portions 222A, 222B swing back to the closed position and thecontroller re-engages the locking mechanism 225.

In one embodiment, the together or individually, the locking mechanism225 and/or prime mover 224 can be considered a door actuator. Broadly,the door actuator (e.g., locking mechanism 225 and/or prime mover 224)is operatively coupled to the door 222, 222′ to control the door (e.g.,open or close the door and/or lock or unlock the door) to permit thepackage 100, 100′, 100″ to pass the door. Other configurations of thedoor actuator are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The catcher 200 may also include another door 228 (e.g., a second door)configured to open and close a lower end of the passageway 210. Thesecond door 228 is positioned in and accessible to the interior of theenclosure B to allow a person to access the package 100, 100′, 100″ inthe chute 204. The door 228 may be insulated to shield the enclosure Bfrom the outside environment. In one embodiment, the catcher 200 may notinclude the second door 228. In another embodiment, instead of the door228, the catcher 200 may include a bin (not shown) positioned to receivethe package 100, 100′, 100″ from the lower end of the chute 204.

Referring to FIG. 7, as mentioned above, the catcher 200 includes acontroller 226 communicatively coupled to the prime mover 224 and/orlocking mechanism 225 to control the prime mover and/or lockingmechanism (e.g. the door actuator). The controller 226 includes a CPU orprocessor 230 and RAM or memory 232 (broadly, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium). The controller 226 provides thecomputing engine that drives the operation of the catcher 200. Broadly,the memory 232 includes (e.g., stores) processor-executable instructionsfor controlling the operation of the processor 230. The instructionsembody one or more functional aspects of the catcher 200, with theprocessor 230 executing the instructions to perform said one or morefunctional aspects.

The controller 226 includes a plurality of (broadly, at least one)communication gateways or ports 234A-D for communication with othercomponents of the catcher 200 and other devices, such as the UAV 12described in more detail below. The ports 234A-D are communicativelycoupled to the processor 230 and/or memory 232. Port 234Acommunicatively couples the controller 226 to the locking mechanism 225.Port 234B communicatively couples the controller to a positioning unit236. Port 234C can be used to communicatively couple the controller 226to the UAV 12 (e.g., port 22E of the UAV's control system 16). Port 234Dcommunicatively couples the controller to the prime mover 224. Varioustypes of communication ports 234A-D are contemplated. For example, thecommunication ports 234A-D can include an infrared (IR) port, a hardwireport, a Bluetooth port, and/or a Wi-Fi port, and it is understood thatvarious other types of communication ports (e.g., near fieldcommunication) can be used without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. The ports 234A-D may include wired and/or wirelessports. The positioning unit 236 is configured to provide positionalinformation (e.g., coordinates) of the catcher 200 to the controller226. For example, the positioning unit 236 may be a GPS unit thatprovides the GPS coordinates for the catcher 200. Desirably, thepositioning unit 236 is at the upper end of the passageway 210 in orderto provide positional information about the upper end of thepassage—i.e., where the package 100, 100′, 100″ enters the chute 204when the package is dropped by the UAV 12. A power source (not shown),such as a battery or electric power cord for an outlet, powers thecontroller 226 and associated components.

In operation, the controller 226 is in communication with the UAV 12.For example, wi-fi ports 234C, 22E may establish a communicationconnection between the controller 226 of the catcher 200 and the UAV 12when the UAV is within range of the controller (e.g., the controllerestablishes a local area network). In one embodiment, the UAV 12 maysend a signal to the controller 226, instructing the controller 226 toopen the door 222 (and/or unlock the locking mechanism 225). In thisembodiment, when the controller 226 receives the signal, the controllerselectively activates the prime mover 224 (and/or locking mechanism 225)to move the door 222 toward the open position (and/or unlock the lockingmechanism). In one embodiment, the controller 226 may send a signal tothe UAV 12 when the door 222 is in the open position (and/or the lockingmechanism 225 is unlocked) to inform the UAV it can release the package100, 100′, 100″. In another embodiment, the controller 226 may send anidentity of the catcher 200 to the UAV 12 via the port 234C. The UAV 12may use the identity received from the catcher 200 to confirm thedelivery by matching the identity received from the catcher to thedelivery receptacle information received from the identification tag 130on the package 100, 100′, 100″. The controller 226 may also activate theprime mover 224 to move the door 222 toward the closed position (and/orthe locking mechanism to lock the door). This can be done after thecontroller 226 receives another signal from the UAV 12, which may begenerally indicative of the package 100, 100′, 100″ having beenreleased, and/or after a certain amount of time has elapsed. In oneembodiment, the controller 226 sends the positional information from thepositioning unit 236 to the UAV 12 so the UAV drops the package 100,100′, 100″ at the correct position, which is generally over the upperend of the passageway 210.

In one embodiment, the controller 226 generally acts as a beacon toattract the UAV 12. The controller 226 may intermittently and/orcontinuously send a beacon signal to be received by the UAV 12 when theUAV is in range of the beacon signal. The beacon signal can include theidentity of the catcher and the positional information of the catcher200. The UAV 12 can then use this information in order to deliver thepackage 100, 100′, 100″. In one embodiment, the controller 226 does notinclude the positioning unit and, instead, receives the positionalinformation from another source. For example, the controller 226 can beconnected to a hand-held device, such as a cell phone, tablet, computer,etc., which can send the positional information to the controller (e.g.,the hand-held device provides the positional information via its ownpositional unit). The controller 226 could connect to the hand-helddevice, either directly or via an internet connection, using a port 234.

The controller 226 may also communicate the altitude of the catcher 200(e.g., upper end of the chute 204) to the UAV 12. For example, thecatcher 200 can include an altimeter (not shown) communicatively coupledto the controller 226. The altimeter may be positioned at the upper endof the catcher 200 and then sends its altitude to the UAV 12 via thecontroller 226. In one embodiment, the UAV 12 may use the deliverydestination information to get to the general area of the catcher 200and then use a system of sensors (not shown), such as vision, radar,ultrasonic, etc., to identify the precise location of the catcher 200 inorder to drop the package 100, 100′, 100″. With this embodiment, thecatcher 200 may include a machine-readable marking as discussed below.

In other embodiments, the communications between the UAV 12 and thecontroller 226 may take place over a cellular network and/or theinternet. For example, the UAV 12 can communicate with a host or centralserver (not shown) over a cellular network and the central server canrelay the communications between the UAV and the controller via thecellular network or internet. In one embodiment, one or more functionsperformed by either the controller 226 and the UAV 12 may be performedat the central server. For example, the central server can match theidentity of the catcher 200 with the delivery receptacle informationreceived from the identification tag 130 on the package 100, 100′, 100″,to confirm package delivery and send a corresponding signal to the UAV12, via the cellular network, that the delivery location is confirmed.

Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the catcher is generallyindicated at 300. As with the other catchers described herein, thecatcher 300 is configured to catch a pharmaceutical package 100, 100′,100″ (broadly, a package) delivered by the UAV 12. The catcher 300includes a housing 302 (broadly, enclosure mount) configured to mount tothe enclosure B to couple the catcher to the enclosure. In theillustrated embodiment, the housing 302 is configured to mount to andwithin the window W of the enclosure B. The housing 302 has a generallyrectangular box shape (e.g., is a polyhedron) with exterior walls 304defining an interior 306. The housing 302 is configured such that oneexterior wall 304 (the left-most wall in FIG. 8) is generally flush withor slightly exterior of an exterior surface of the enclosure B when thehousing is mounted to the window W. This creates a relatively cleanappearance for the catcher 300 from a view outside the enclosure B. Thehousing 302 can be adjustable (e.g., have an adjustable height and/orwidth) in order to conform to a variety of different window W sizes.

The catcher 300 includes a collector 308. The collector 308 is movablycoupled to the housing 302. The collector 308 is movable between acollection position (dashed lines in FIG. 8) and a retracted position(solid lines in FIG. 8). In the collection position, the collector 308is configured to receive the package 100, 100′, 100″ when the package isdropped by the UAV 12. In the collection position, at least a portion ofthe collector 308 is disposed outside the housing 302 and outside theenclosure B, to receive the package. In the retracted position, thecollector 308 is generally disposed within the interior 306 of thehousing 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the collector 308 ispivotably coupled to the housing 302 via a hinge 310, allowing thecollector to pivot between the collection and retracted positions. Thecollector generally moves through an opening 312 in an exterior wall 304of the housing 302 to move between the collection and retractedpositions. In the retracted position, the collector 308 (e.g., a portionthereof) is generally flush with and defines a portion of an exteriorwall 304 of the housing 302. The catcher 300 may include a weather stripor gasket (not shown) to form a seal between the collector 308 and thehousing chute 302 when the collector is in the retracted position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the collector 308 includes a first flange314 and a second flange 316. The first and second flanges 314, 316extend generally perpendicular to one another and are joined together atrespective side edge margins of the first and second flanges. The hinge310 pivotably coupling the collector 308 to the housing 302 is adjacentthe connection between the first and second flanges 314, 316. Thecollector 308 includes opposite end flanges 318 (only one is shown inFIG. 8) that extend between corresponding end edge margins of the firstand second flanges 314, 316. The end flanges 318 have an arcuate edgemargin extending between the free side edge margins of the first andsecond flanges 314, 315. Together the first flange 314, second flange316 and end flanges 318 define a collector interior 320 sized and shapedto receive the package 100, 100′, 100″. Desirably, the collectorinterior 320 has a length and a depth that is greater than or equal totwo times a dimension of the package 100, 100′, 100″. Broadly, thecollector 308 may be considered to be a bin the UAV 12 drops the package100, 100′, 100″ into. Other configurations and arrangements of thecollector 302 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The catcher 300 may also include an interior door 322 on the housing 302that permits access to the interior 306 from inside the enclosure B toallow a person to retrieve the package 100, 100′, 100″ from the catcher.The housing 302, the collector 308 and/or interior door 322 (or portionsthereof) may include insulation. The catcher 300 may also include alocking mechanism 225 to lock the collector 308 in the retractedposition.

Similar to catcher 200, catcher 300 includes a prime mover 224operatively coupled to the collector 308 to move the collector betweenthe collection position and the retracted position. The catcher 300 alsoincludes a controller 226, as described above, to control the primemover 224 (and locking mechanism 225, if included). The controller 226generally operates in the same manner with catcher 300 as with catcher200, and thus a detailed description is omitted here with theunderstanding that the above description relating to the controllerapplies to catcher 300 as well. The main difference for the controller226 when used with catcher 300 is that the controller 226 activates theprime mover 224 to move the collector to the collection and retractedpositions, instead of moving the door 222 between the open and closedpositions. In this embodiment, the catcher 300 may also include apositioning unit 236, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the catcher is generallyindicated at 400. As with the other catchers described herein, thecatcher 400 is configured to catch a pharmaceutical package 100, 100′,100″ (broadly, a package) delivered by the UAV 12. The catcher 400includes a base 402 configured to support a collector 410. The catcher400 is positioned near a building or residence the package 100, 100′,100″ is being delivered to, such as in the backyard of a residence. Thebase 402 is configured to be placed on a support surface S, such as theground, a deck, a street, around a building or residence. The base 402includes at least two legs 404 to support the collector 410. Desirably,the base 402 is collapsible (e.g., the catcher 400 is collapsible) foreasy storage and transportation. In the illustrated embodiment, the base402 includes four legs 404 arranged in pairs at opposite sides of thebase 402. The two legs 404 in each pair are pivotably coupled togetherby a pin 406. This allows the legs 404 to pivot relative to one anotherbetween a stored position (not shown) where the base 402 is relativelyflat and a deployed position (FIG. 9) where the ends of the legs arespaced apart from one another. Desirably, the height and/or width of thebase at the lower end of the base is adjustable. This allows a person tovary the size of the base 402 to accommodate the size of the package100, 100′, 100″ being received. In one embodiment, the legs 404 aretelescoping to adjust the height and/or width of the base. In anotherembodiment, the legs 404 are selectively lockable at different angles(e.g., rotational angles about the pins 406) relative to one another toadjust the height and/or width of the base. Desirably, a length of thebase 402 and the width of the base is greater than or equal to two timesa dimension of the package 100, 100′, 100″ to provide a stablefoundation for catching the package. In one embodiment, the base 402 hasa height (e.g., adjustable height) large enough to position thecollector 410 above obstacles that may get in the way of the UAV 12,such as roof tops and/or trees. For example, the base 402 may have aheight (e.g., height) of about 20 feet, or about 30 feet, or about 40feet, or about 50 feet or the base may have an adjustable height betweenabout 20-50 feet, or about 15-30 feet, or about 5-20 feet or about 3-15feet. Other dimensions are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The base 402 may also include one or more cross rails 408, one of whichis shown in FIG. 8, extending between and interconnecting the oppositepairs of legs 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross rail 408generally extends between the pivot points (e.g., pins 406) of the legs404. Other configurations are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, additional cross rails 408 can be includes thatextend between opposite legs at or adjacent to the ends thereof. Otherconfigurations and arrangements of the base 402 are within the scope ofthe present disclosure. For example, the base can be a tripod, withthree legs generally connected at a single pivot point.

The collector 410 of the catcher 400 is configured to catch the package100, 100′, 100″ when the package is dropped by the UAV 12 into thecollector. The collector 410 is connected to an upper end of the base402. Generally, the base 402 supports and holds the collector 410 abovethe base. Desirably, the collector 410 comprises a flexible sheet ofmaterial such as a sheet of fabric (e.g., cloth), a net, a tarp, a web,etc. The base 402 generally spreads out (e.g., stretches) the collector410 when the base is in the deployed position to arrange the collectorto receive the package 100, 100′, 100″. Desirably, a length and/or widthof the collector 410 is greater than or equal to two times a dimensionof the package 100, 100′, 100″ to ensure there is a sufficient area forthe collector to receive the package after it is dropped by the UAV 12.In one embodiment, the collector 410 may be inherently elastic toprovide a cushion for the package 100, 100′, 100″ when the package hitsthe collector. In another embodiment, the collector 410 may be connectedto the base 402 with an elastic connection (not shown). The collector410 may define one or more openings or apertures (not shown) spread outover the collector to prevent moisture or water (e.g., rain water) frompooling on the collector. The openings permit moisture to pass throughthe collector 410. The openings also permit air to flow through thecollector 410 so that wind or turbulence from the UAV 12 will notsignificantly disturb the collector (e.g., invert the collector).Desirably, the collector 410 has an excess amount of material in thewidth and/or length thereof, relative to the respective width and/orlength of the upper end of the base 402, to permit the collector to sagand form an arcuate upper surface to receive the package 100, 100′,100″, as shown in FIG. 9.

In one embodiment, all or a portion of an upper surface of the collector410 may include a machine-readable marking 412 that is configured to beread (e.g., scanned) by the UAV 12. The machine-readable marking 412represents information or data. Desirably, the machine-readable marking412 represents an identity of the catcher 400 (e.g., themachine-readable marking is a machine-readable identification marking),although other types of information can also be represented such asdelivery destination information (e.g., destination coordinates).Exemplary machine-readable markings 412 include, but are not limited to,linear (e.g., one dimensional) barcodes, matrix barcodes (e.g., twodimensional barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, etc.), and the like. Inthis embodiment, the UAV 12 may include a scanner 25 configured to readthe machine-readable marking 412 and send the information obtained fromthe marking to the controller. For example, the UAV 12 may scan themachine-readable marking 412 to obtain the identity of the catcher 400and confirm the delivery and package drop location. For example, the UAV12 can obtain the identity of the catcher 400 by scanning themachine-readable marking 412 and matching this obtained identity to theidentity received from the identification tag 130 on the package 100,100′, 100″. It is understood the machine readable marking 412 could beused with any of the catchers 200, 300, 400 described herein.

Alternatively or in addition to representing an identity of the catcher400, the machine-readable marking 412 may serve as a reference point forthe UAV 12 to allow the UAV to determine its position relative to thecatcher by scanning the machine-readable marking 412. In thisembodiment, the UAV 12 may not need the exact coordinates of the catcher400, only the general area of where the catcher is located and then usethe scanner 25 to find the machine-readable marking and position itselfrelative to the catcher to drop the package 100, 100′, 100″.

Similar to catchers 200 and 300, catcher 400 may also include acontroller 226, as described above, to communicate with the UAV 12. Thecontroller 226 generally operates in the same manner with catcher 400 aswith catchers 200 and 300, and thus a detailed description is omittedhere with the understanding that the above description relating to thecontroller applies to catcher 400 as well. The main difference for thecontroller 226 when used with catcher 400 is that the controller 226does not control a prime mover or locking mechanism because the catcherdoes not have these components. The controller 226 is used tocommunicate with the UAV 12 as described above. In this embodiment, thecatcher 400 may also include a positioning unit 236, as described above.

Although described in connection with an exemplary computing systemenvironment, embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure areoperational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. The computing systemenvironment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope ofuse or functionality of any aspect of the disclosure. Moreover, thecomputing system environment should not be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in the exemplary operating environment. Examplesof well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurationsthat may be suitable for use with aspects of the disclosure include, butare not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held orlaptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems,set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that include any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

Embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure may be described in thegeneral context of data and/or processor-executable instructions, suchas program modules, stored one or more tangible, non-transitory storagemedia and executed by one or more processors or other devices.Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines,programs, objects, components, and data structures that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects ofthe disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotestorage media including memory storage devices.

In operation, processors, computers and/or servers may execute theprocessor-executable instructions (e.g., software, firmware, and/orhardware) such as those illustrated herein to implement aspects of thedisclosure.

Embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure may be implemented withprocessor-executable instructions. The processor-executable instructionsmay be organized into one or more processor-executable components ormodules on a tangible processor readable storage medium. Aspects of thedisclosure may be implemented with any number and organization of suchcomponents or modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are notlimited to the specific processor-executable instructions or thespecific components or modules illustrated in the figures and describedherein. Other embodiments of the aspects of the disclosure may includedifferent processor-executable instructions or components having more orless functionality than illustrated and described herein.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in embodimentsof the aspects of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is notessential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may beperformed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments ofthe aspects of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operationsthan those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated thatexecuting or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneouslywith, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of thedisclosure.

It is apparent that the elements, features, and/or teachings set forthin each embodiment disclosed herein are not limited to the specificembodiment(s) the elements, features and/or teachings are described in.Accordingly, it is understood that the elements, features and/orteachings described in one embodiment may be applied to one or more ofthe other embodiments disclosed herein, even if said elements, featuresand/or teachings where not described herein as being a part of said oneor more of the other embodiments.

The Title, Field, and Background are provided to help the reader quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. They are submittedwith the understanding that they will not be used to interpret or limitthe scope or meaning of the claims. They are provided to introduce aselection of concepts in simplified form that are further described inthe Detailed Description. The Title, Field, and Background are notintended to identify key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determiningthe claimed subject matter.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or theembodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that several advantages of theaspects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous resultsattained.

Not all of the depicted components illustrated or described may berequired. In addition, some implementations and embodiments may includeadditional components. Variations in the arrangement and type of thecomponents may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of theclaims as set forth herein. Additional, different or fewer componentsmay be provided and components may be combined. Alternatively or inaddition, a component may be implemented by several components.

The above description illustrates the aspects of the disclosure by wayof example and not by way of limitation. This description enables oneskilled in the art to make and use the aspects of the disclosure, anddescribes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives anduses of the aspects of the disclosure, including what is presentlybelieved to be the best mode of carrying out the aspects of thedisclosure. Additionally, it is to be understood that the aspects of thedisclosure is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the drawings. The aspects of thedisclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will beapparent that modifications and variations are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in theappended claims. It is contemplated that various changes could be madein the above constructions, products, and methods without departing fromthe scope of aspects of the disclosure. In the preceding specification,various embodiments have been described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made thereto, and additionalembodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scopeof the aspects of the disclosure as set forth in the claims that follow.The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense.

OTHER STATEMENTS OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following are statements of example embodiments described in thepresent disclosure. Although some of the following statements are notcurrently presented as claims, the statements are believed to bepatentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. Associatedmethods corresponding to the statements or apparatus or systems below,are also believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented asclaims. It is understood that the following statements may refer to andbe supported by one, more than one or all of the embodiments describedabove.

A1. A pharmaceutical package for carrying a pharmaceutical container,the pharmaceutical package comprising: a first housing defining aninterior and a first housing opening sized and shaped to allow thepharmaceutical container to pass into the interior; a second housing inthe first housing, the second housing defining a compartment and asecond housing opening, the compartment being sized and shaped toreceive and carry the pharmaceutical container, the second housingopening being in communication with the compartment and sized and shapedto allow the pharmaceutical container to pass into the compartment; agas chamber disposed between the first and second housings, the gaschamber configured to hold gas in an inflated state of the gas chamber;a passage extending from the first housing to the second housing anddefining a passageway extending between the first housing opening andthe second housing opening to allow the pharmaceutical container to bepositioned in the compartment of the second housing by moving thepharmaceutical container through the first housing opening, thepassageway and the second housing opening; and one or more supportsconnected to and extending between the first housing and the secondhousing, the one or more supports securing and holding the secondhousing in the first housing.

A2. The pharmaceutical package of feature A1, wherein the gas chamber isdefined by at least one of the first or second housing.

A3. The pharmaceutical package of feature A1, wherein the gas chamber isdefined by the first housing and the second housing.

A4. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A3, whereinthe passage defines a portion of the gas chamber and is configured toconstrict to substantially close the passageway to prevent thepharmaceutical container from moving through the passageway when the gaschamber is filled with the fluid.

A5. The pharmaceutical package of feature A4, wherein the passage bulgesinwardly to reduce a width of the passageway relative to widths of thefirst and second housing openings when the gas chamber is in theinflated state.

A6. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A4-A5, whereina length of the passageway corresponds to a distance from the firsthousing opening to the second housing opening, and wherein the passagehas a passage wall having a length extending between the first andsecond housing openings, the passage wall length being greater than thepassageway length.

A7. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A6, furthercomprising at least one refrigeration pocket on the second housing, theat least one pocket configured to receive and hold a refrigerationpacket.

A8. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A7, furthercomprising at least one refrigeration compartment on the second housing,the refrigeration compartment configured to hold a refrigerant.

A9. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A8, furthercomprising an identification tag including an identity of thepharmaceutical package.

A10. The pharmaceutical package of feature A9, wherein theidentification tag includes an RFID tag.

A11. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A9-A10,wherein the RFID tag includes one or more of prescription information,patient information, delivery destination information, deliveryreceptacle information, or combinations thereof.

A12. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A11,further comprising a carrier connector configured to be coupled to acarrier to couple the pharmaceutical package to a carrier.

A13. The pharmaceutical package of feature A12, wherein the carrierconnector is a loop configured to be coupled to a hook of the carrier.

A14. The pharmaceutical package of feature A13, in combination with thecarrier, wherein the carrier comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle.

A15. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A14,wherein the first housing has an aerodynamic shape.

A16. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A14,wherein the first housing has a polyhedron shape.

A17. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A16,further comprising a selectively operable valve configured to permit thegas chamber to be selectively filled and emptied with the gas.

A18. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A17,further comprising a door configured to close the first housing opening.

A19. The pharmaceutical package as in any one of features A1-A18,further comprising a protective cover over the first housing.

B1. A catcher for catching a package delivered by an unmanned aerialvehicle, the catcher comprising: a chute extending from an upper end toa lower end and defining a passageway between the upper and lower ends,the passageway configured to receive the package when the package isdropped by the unmanned aerial vehicle into the chute; an enclosuremount coupled to the chute and configured to mount to an enclosure tocouple the catcher to the enclosure; a door configured to move betweenan open position and a closed position to open and close the passageway;a door actuator operatively coupled to the door to control the door topermit the package to pass the door; and a controller communicativelycoupled to the door actuator and including a communications port, aprocessor and a non-transitory tangible storage medium includingprocessor executable instructions for controlling the operation of theprocessor, the instructions including instructions for selectivelyactuating the door actuator to permit the package to pass the doorresponsive to the controller receiving a signal from the unmanned aerialvehicle via the communications port.

B2. The catcher of feature B1, wherein the instructions further includeinstructions for sending an identity of the catcher via thecommunications port to the unmanned aerial vehicle.

B3. The catcher as in any one of features B1-B2, wherein theinstructions further include instructions for selectively activating thedoor actuator to permit the package to move pass the door to move thedoor toward the closed position.

B4. The catcher of feature B3, wherein the door actuator comprises aprime mover operatively coupled to the door to move the door between theopen and closed positions.

B5. The catcher of feature B4, wherein the instructions further includeinstructions for selectively activating the prime mover to move the doortoward the closed position.

B6. The catcher of feature B3, wherein the door actuator comprises alocking mechanism operatively coupled to the door to lock and unlock thedoor.

B7. The catcher of feature B6, wherein the instructions further includeinstructions for selectively activating the locking mechanism to lockand unlock the door.

B8. The catcher as in any one of features B3-B7, wherein the dooractuator comprises the prime mover and the locking mechanism.

B9. The catcher as in any one of features B1-B8, wherein the chute hasan adjustable height.

B10. The catcher as in any one of features B1-B9, wherein the chute hasat least one bend defining at least one bend in the passageway.

B11. The catcher as in any one of features B1-B10, wherein the chutedefines at least one opening between the upper end and the lower endconfigured to permit moisture to flow out of the passageway.

B12. The catcher of feature B11, wherein the chute includes at least oneguard, each guard configured to cover one opening of the at least oneopening to prevent air and moisture from entering the passageway throughsaid one opening.

B13. The catcher as in any one of features B1-B12, wherein theinstructions include instructions for continuously sending a beaconsignal to be received by the unmanned aerial vehicle when the unmannedaerial vehicle is in range of the beacon signal.

B14. The catcher of feature B13, wherein the beacon signal includes anidentity of the catcher and positional information of the catcher.

B15. The catcher of feature B14, further comprising a positional unitcommunicatively coupled to the controller, the positional unitconfigured to generate the positional information and provide thepositional information to the controller.

B16. The catcher as in any one of features B1-B15, wherein the door is afirst door and further comprising a second door configured to open andclose a lower end of the passageway.

B17. The catcher as in any one of features B1-B16, wherein the catcherincludes a machine-readable marking configured to be read by theunmanned aerial vehicle.

B18. The catcher as in feature B17, wherein the machine-readable markingrepresents an identity of the catcher.

B19. The catcher as in feature B17, wherein the machine-readable markingis configured to be used by the unmanned aerial vehicle to identify theprecise location of the catcher.

C1. A catcher for catching a package delivered by an unmanned aerialvehicle, the catcher comprising: a base including at least two legs; acollector connected to an upper end of the base and configured to catchthe package when the package is dropped by the unmanned aerial vehicleinto the collector; and a communications interface configured tocommunicate with the unmanned aerial vehicle, the communicationsinterface including a communications port configured to send and receivesignals from the unmanned aerial vehicle, a processor and anon-transitory tangible storage medium including processor executableinstructions for controlling the operation of the processor, theinstructions including instructions for sending an identity of thecatcher via the communications port to the unmanned aerial vehicle.

C2. The catcher of feature C1, wherein the collector has a width and alength, the width and the length being greater than or equal to twotimes a dimension of the package.

C3. The catcher as in any one of features C1-C2, wherein the base has awidth and a length at the lower end of the base, the width and thelength being greater than or equal to two times a dimension of thepackage.

C4. The catcher as in any one of features C1-C3, wherein the base iscollapsible.

C5. The catcher as in any one of features C1-C4, wherein a height of thebase is adjustable.

C6. The catcher as in any one of features C1-C5, wherein a width of thebase is adjustable.

C7. The catcher as in any one of features C1-C6, wherein the collectorincludes at least one opening configured to permit moisture to passthrough the collector.

C8. The catcher as in any one of features C1-C7, wherein the collectorincludes a machine-readable marking configured to be read by theunmanned aerial vehicle.

C9. The catcher as in any one of features C1-C8, wherein theinstructions include instructions for continuously sending a beaconsignal to be received by the unmanned aerial vehicle when the unmannedaerial vehicle is in range of the beacon signal.

C10. The catcher of feature C9, wherein the beacon signal includes anidentity of the catcher and positional information of the catcher.

C11. The catcher of feature C10, further comprising a positional unitcommunicatively coupled to the controller, the positional unitconfigured to generate the positional information and provide thepositional information to the controller.

C12. The catcher as in any one of features C1-B11, wherein the catcherincludes a machine-readable marking configured to be read by theunmanned aerial vehicle.

C13. The catcher as in feature C12, wherein the machine-readable markingrepresents an identity of the catcher.

C14. The catcher as in feature C12, wherein the machine-readable markingis configured to be used by the unmanned aerial vehicle to identify theprecise location of the catcher.

D1. A catcher for catching a package delivered by an unmanned aerialvehicle, the catcher comprising: a housing configured to mount to anenclosure to couple the catcher to the enclosure; a collector movablycoupled to the housing, the collector movable between a collectionposition where the collector is configured to receive the package whenthe package is dropped by the unmanned aerial vehicle and a retractedposition; a prime mover operatively coupled to the collector to move thecollector between the collection position and the retracted position; acontroller communicatively coupled to the prime mover and including acommunications port, a processor and a non-transitory tangible storagemedium including processor executable instructions for controlling theoperation of the processor, the instructions including instructions forselectively activating the prime mover to move the collector toward thecollection position responsive to the controller receiving a signal fromthe unmanned aerial vehicle via the communications port.

D2. The catcher of feature D1, wherein the collector pivotably coupledto the housing.

D3. The catcher as in any one of features D1-D2, wherein the collectorincludes a first flange and a second flange, the first flange extendinggenerally perpendicular to the second flange.

D4. The catcher of feature D3, wherein the collector is pivotablycoupled to the housing adjacent a connection between the first flangeand the second flange.

D5. The catcher as in any one of features D1-D4, wherein the collectordefines a portion of an exterior surface of the housing when thecollector is in the retracted position.

D6. The catcher as in any one of features D1-D5, further comprising agasket to form a seal between the collector and housing when thecollector is in the retracted position.

D7. The catcher as in any one of features D1-D6, further comprising adoor configured to permit access to an interior of the housing.

D8. The catcher as in any one of features D1-D7, wherein theinstructions include instructions for continuously sending a beaconsignal to be received by the unmanned aerial vehicle when the unmannedaerial vehicle is in range of the beacon signal.

D9. The catcher of feature D8, wherein the beacon signal includes anidentity of the catcher and positional information of the catcher.

D10. The catcher of feature D9, further comprising a positional unitcommunicatively coupled to the controller, the positional unitconfigured to generate the positional information and provide thepositional information to the controller.

D11. The catcher as in any one of features D1-D10, wherein the catcherincludes a machine-readable marking configured to be read by theunmanned aerial vehicle.

D12. The catcher as in feature D11, wherein the machine-readable markingrepresents an identity of the catcher.

D13. The catcher as in feature D11, wherein the machine-readable markingis configured to be used by the unmanned aerial vehicle to identify theprecise location of the catcher.

The above statements can be combined together in any combination tofurther provide example embodiments of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical package for carrying apharmaceutical container, the pharmaceutical package comprising: a firsthousing defining an interior and a first housing opening sized andshaped to allow the pharmaceutical container to pass into the interior;a second housing in the first housing, the second housing defining acompartment and a second housing opening, the compartment being sizedand shaped to receive and carry the pharmaceutical container, the secondhousing opening being in communication with the compartment and sizedand shaped to allow the pharmaceutical container to pass into thecompartment; a gas chamber disposed between the first and secondhousings, the gas chamber configured to hold gas in an inflated state ofthe gas chamber; a passage extending from the first housing to thesecond housing and defining a passageway extending between the firsthousing opening and the second housing opening to allow thepharmaceutical container to be positioned in the compartment of thesecond housing by moving the pharmaceutical container through the firsthousing opening, the passageway and the second housing opening; and oneor more supports connected to and extending between the first housingand the second housing, the one or more supports securing and holdingthe second housing in the first housing.
 2. The pharmaceutical packageof claim 1, wherein the gas chamber is defined by at least one of thefirst or second housing.
 3. The pharmaceutical package of claim 1,wherein the gas chamber is defined by the first housing and the secondhousing.
 4. The pharmaceutical package of claim 1, wherein the passagedefines a portion of the gas chamber and is configured to constrict tosubstantially close the passageway to prevent the pharmaceuticalcontainer from moving through the passageway when the gas chamber isfilled with the fluid.
 5. The pharmaceutical package of claim 4, whereinthe passage bulges inwardly to reduce a width of the passageway relativeto widths of the first and second housing openings when the gas chamberis in the inflated state.
 6. The pharmaceutical package of claim 4,wherein a length of the passageway corresponds to a distance from thefirst housing opening to the second housing opening, and wherein thepassage has a passage wall having a length extending between the firstand second housing openings, the passage wall length being greater thanthe passageway length.
 7. The pharmaceutical package of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one refrigeration pocket on the second housing, theat least one pocket configured to receive and hold a refrigerationpacket.
 8. The pharmaceutical package of claim 1, further comprising atleast one refrigeration compartment on the second housing, therefrigeration compartment configured to hold a refrigerant.
 9. Thepharmaceutical package of claim 1, further comprising an identificationtag including an identity of the pharmaceutical package.
 10. Thepharmaceutical package of claim 9, wherein the identification tagincludes an RFID tag.
 11. The pharmaceutical package of claim 9, whereinthe RFID tag includes one or more of prescription information, patientinformation, delivery destination information, delivery receptacleinformation, or combinations thereof.
 12. The pharmaceutical package ofclaim 1, further comprising a carrier connector configured to be coupledto a carrier to couple the pharmaceutical package to a carrier.
 13. Thepharmaceutical package of claim 12, wherein the carrier connectorcomprises a loop configured to be coupled to a hook of the carrier. 14.The pharmaceutical package of claim 13, in combination with the carrier,wherein the carrier comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle.
 15. Thepharmaceutical package of claim 1, further comprising a selectivelyoperable valve configured to permit the gas chamber to be selectivelyfilled and emptied with the gas.
 16. The pharmaceutical package of claim1, further comprising a door configured to close the first housingopening.
 17. The pharmaceutical package of claim 1, further comprising aprotective cover over the first housing.
 18. A catcher for catching apackage delivered by an unmanned aerial vehicle, the catcher comprising:a chute extending from an upper end to a lower end and defining apassageway between the upper and lower ends, the passageway configuredto receive the package when the package is dropped by the unmannedaerial vehicle into the chute; an enclosure mount coupled to the chuteand configured to mount to an enclosure to couple the catcher to theenclosure; a door configured to move between an open position and aclosed position to open and close the passageway; a door actuatoroperatively coupled to the door to control the door to permit thepackage to pass the door; and a controller communicatively coupled tothe door actuator and including a communications port, a processor and anon-transitory tangible storage medium including processor executableinstructions for controlling the operation of the processor, theinstructions including instructions for selectively actuating the dooractuator to permit the package to pass the door responsive to thecontroller receiving a signal from the unmanned aerial vehicle via thecommunications port.
 19. The catcher of claim 18, wherein theinstructions further include instructions for sending an identity of thecatcher via the communications port to the unmanned aerial vehicle. 20.A catcher for catching a package delivered by an unmanned aerialvehicle, the catcher comprising: a base including at least two legs; acollector connected to an upper end of the base and configured to catchthe package when the package is dropped by the unmanned aerial vehicleinto the collector; and a communications interface configured tocommunicate with the unmanned aerial vehicle, the communicationsinterface including a communications port configured to send and receivesignals from the unmanned aerial vehicle, a processor and anon-transitory tangible storage medium including processor executableinstructions for controlling the operation of the processor, theinstructions including instructions for sending an identity of thecatcher via the communications port to the unmanned aerial vehicle. 21.The catcher of claim 20, wherein the catcher is portable.
 22. Thecatcher of claim 20, wherein the instructions include instruction forsending a beacon signal to be received by the unmanned aerial vehiclewhen the unmanned aerial vehicle is in range of the beacon signal, thebeacon signal including the identity of the catcher and positionalinformation of the catcher.
 23. The catcher of claim 18, wherein thechute is elongate such that the upper end of the chute is configured tobe positioned above the enclosure when the enclosure mount is mounted tothe enclosure.
 24. The catcher of claim 18, wherein the chute has anadjustable height.
 25. The catcher of claim 18, wherein the chutedefines at least one opening between the upper end and the lower end,each at least one opening configured to permit moisture to flow out ofthe passageway.